Transporting Mobility Wheelchair with 2018 Hyundai Elantra

Question:

I have been recently approved for an automated mobility wheelchair. I am concerned that I will not be able to connect a wheelchair lift to my 2018 Elantra Sedan. Do you know of any way this could be done?

asked by: Bonita B

Expert Reply:

It might be possible to transport a mobility wheelchair with your 2018 Hyundai Elantra but it's going to depend on the weight of both the wheelchair and a lift if you plan on using one.

All of the trailer hitches available for your vehicle are Class I models with a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds. If you have the Sedan, I recommend the Curt # C11424 and if you have the GT Hatchback (as long as it was not made IN Korea), I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24905. If you go with the Curt optios you will be required to use an additional stabilizing strap # 18050 with the carrier.

When picking out a carrier I recommend going with the lightest option available that is still large enough to accommodate the wheelchair. Since the weight of the carrier itself counts towards the tongue weight, a lighter carrier will help you stay below the capacity of the hitch and your Elantra once the wheelchair is loaded.

We do not have any wheelchair lifts available, but we do have a Class I rated carrier that might work. I recommend taking a look at the Curt cargo Carrier # C18110 as it is compatible with Class I trailer hitches, features dimensions of 47 inches long, and 19 inches wide, and weighs only 30 pounds. This is the largest and lightest carrier we have available that can be used with a Class I trailer hitch. As long as your wheelchair weighs less than 170 pounds you will remain under the hitch's capacity. Since there are not any carriers with ramps that will work for you, you would have to come up with a way to load your wheelchair onto this carrier.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this carrier that you can check out as well.

I also recommend verifying the tongue weight capacity of your Hyundai Elantra, which should be listed in your copy of the owner's manual. Since you are always limited by your weakest component, you will need to follow the Elantra's capacity if it is lower than the 200-pound rating on the hitch.